The attention of the Ani Egbira community has been drawn to a public statement credited to Sheikh Gumi, in which he alleged that members of the Egbira ethnic group constitute a significant portion of Boko Haram and ISWAP.
This allegation is grave, unfounded, and capable of endangering peaceful and law-abiding citizens of the Egbira nation. It is therefore imperative that we address it formally and responsibly.
The Ani Egbira people expected that such a weighty claim would be accompanied by verifiable facts and concrete evidence. Instead, it was made without substantiation, thereby painting an entire ethnic nationality in a negative and dangerous light.
At a time when both local and international partners, such as the United States, are considering deeper involvement in combating insurgency in Nigeria, it is deeply concerning that Sheikh Gumi, known for his controversial engagements with bandit groups, would make such broad generalisations capable of diverting attention from the real issues and the real perpetrators.
OUR POSITION
- We formally call on Sheikh Abubakar Gumi to provide the names, identities, and verifiable evidence of the alleged Egbira members of Boko Haram and ISWAP.
- If he truly possesses such information, he should immediately make it available to the Nigerian security agencies so that the necessary steps can be taken.
- Should he be unable to provide this evidence, we demand that he retract the allegation in full and issue an unreserved public apology to the Ani Egbira nation.
- His claim suggests that he has detailed knowledge about the identities and operations of insurgent groups. In view of this, we call on the Nigerian Government and relevant security agencies to engage him further in the ongoing search for lasting solutions to insecurity.
OUR REAFFIRMATION
We categorically state that the overwhelming majority of Egbira people are peaceful, responsible, and patriotic Nigerians who have consistently contributed to national development. We reject in totality any attempt to associate our people with terrorism or insurgency.
The Ani Egbira nation remains committed to peace, unity, and progress, and will continue to support every credible effort aimed at ending insecurity in Nigeria.
CONCLUSION
We respectfully urge Sheikh Gumi to either substantiate his claims with credible evidence or withdraw them completely. Anything short of this is unacceptable.
Signed:
Momoh Azeez
For and on behalf of the Ani Egbira People
